Veterans Day

Unfortunately, there are many people waking up today without knowing or noticing that this is the national observance of Veterans Day.

It's not a day steeped in large meals or the giving of presents. But make no mistake, many gifts have been presented to the country in the form of sacrifice, blood and lives of men and women who gave of themselves to protect our country.

Some people will remember this day by attending programs at civic halls, tabernacles and other venues. Others will take time to watch a parade featuring the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. But we hope everyone will take at least a few moments today to simply say "thank you" to the people who have worn the U.S. uniforms of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

It is these men and women who have put themselves in harm's way - often far, far away from family members and other loved ones - to protect people they likely will never meet.

That is the legacy of the Armed Forces. From those first minutemen before the country was really founded fighting the British to the men who fought for their principles in the Civil War to the troops who fought in such places as Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, North Africa and, of course, Europe, people wearing the nation's uniforms have done their part to quash tyranny and to protect human rights.

We may not always agree with the political stance for some conflicts. Vietnam immediately comes to mind for many people, but some Americans have taken issue with political reasons behind conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Somalia and elsewhere.

The difference is, at least for the most part, Americans learned a valuable lesson from Vietnam not to chastise the soldier for doing his or her duty because of a civilian politician's decision.

Our veterans deserve our gratitude. They deserve appreciation because of the dangers they confronted on our behalf.

On this Nov. 12, we humbly say, "Happy Veterans Day" to all who have served our country.

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Veterans Day

Unfortunately, there are many people waking up today without knowing or noticing that this is the national observance of Veterans Day. It's not a day steeped in large meals or the giving of presents.